Building a Log Splitter

[Woodworks]

Buy one.

A good choice available.

I would, of course, suggest Krpan from Marshalls Agric, or Posch from Wilsons or indeed one from Jim at Riko.

I would not/could not suggest building one for an employee to use.

Purely due to potential liability issues.

Simples.

Marcus

 

This

 

On Marcuses suggestion I went with the Krpan and it has happily split anything I have put under its blade. It also has quick cycle time with two speed splitting. The deadmans handle/log holder also works very well.

[arboriculturist]

This

 

On Marcuses suggestion I went with the Krpan and it has happily split anything I have put under its blade. It also has quick cycle time with two speed splitting. The deadmans handle/log holder also works very well.

 

Will take a look at that - thanks

[Woodworks]

This is the one we went with. Hydraulic log splitters CV 18 K - Krpan

[arboriculturist]

This is the one we went with. Hydraulic log splitters CV 18 K - Krpan

 

Marshalls then - thanks

[arboriculturist]

In order for it to be "pukka" for an employee to use it would need to conform to PUWER regs, that's going to cost you more than buying one off the shelf where all boxes have been ticked by the manufacturer.

 

If someone gets hurt with a machine you diy'ed or modified you had better reach for the lube and grab your ankles. First in line will be the HSE closely followed by the injured party's ambulance chaser.

 

You can see why people are queing up to move to the UK!

 

This is all about Risk Management:

 

Training and Risk Assessment starts the process and the good old paper trail.

 

Some would argue that provided a piece of equipment - that was built say by your local Agricultural Engineer, was subject to an initail inspection before use and an annual inspection thereafter, there is no problem having pieces of equipment custom built.

They are often better than mass produced items and have improved safety features.

 

Similar to having your Telehandlers annual inspection signed off. Inspected, documented and signed off free of defects and suitable for the next years use.

 

If you use a reputable established Company to carry out your annual inspections and they are prepared to inspect a certain piece of equipment, then their Professional Indemnity Insurance legally is in force to cover their service.

 

H&S have there take on this if you care to phone your local office - so not all doom and gloom after all!

 

At the end of the day safety is all about what is 'Reasonable'.

 

That said - probably best to remove all Hazards and associated risks, so sit indoors with the Laptop and spend the working week on Arbtalk.